928Benz

Okay, after having spent thousands in preventative maintenance, I am getting sick of getting raped at the dealer. Just rolled 100K. And of course the service B cost me $650 where they listed out about $7,000 worth of needed service. Bushings, Control Arms, Wheel Bearing repack, Tranny Service. Fuel Filter, A leaking rear differential which costs $2000 alone to repair. Oh yeah and an annoying window problem. Opens fine, but doesn't close entirely unless I wiggle it. Gets stuck on the molding. They say window regulator for $675. Yet I don't notice the car feeling any different or needing this much work based on the 90K service. At this point I am contempletating just trading it for a Lexus IS-F or even a BMW 335ci. This car is costing me as much if not more to maintain and fix than my Porsche 928. I am venting right now and would like to stay a benz guy, but is $7,000 reasonable for all this work?

00 CLK430

deyainrdy4ds

they always quote u a shtload of stuff to make the car "perfect" ...they always do the same with me wen my car is fine...its just mostly stuff that u dont "NEED" but mayb should get done if u want it all in "perfect" workin order.......if there aint nuthin wrong then fk it ...leave it

LowRydeR

This is why I sold my car when the warranty expired.

ApproachingZero

+1

When i went in for my inspection in April thay quoted me $1300 for a new wiper motor and wiper transmission b/c it had a slight grinding noise.

928Benz

So what do you guys do when the time comes to get this stuff done? Do you actually use the stealership or do you go to an indy? I know some of you guys are really hands on and do stuff yourself, but I'm not so mechanically inclined. I live in the NYC area. Anybody know of any good indy's?

ApproachingZero

It is just like when somebody gets diagnosed by one doctor with a serious illness.... get a second opinion.

Take your ride to a trusted, well established indy. Have them look over the car. Once you get a diagnosis of the what they think is wrong compare it to the dealer. Then AFTER they look over the car see what they say about the things the stealer pointed out. Before paying anyone search the boards, ask questions, and investigate. Rank what needs more attention than others. Fix things first that will be dangerous or annoying, and save up for the other things that will help the car be "perfect"

My CLK is 8 years old.... Things are not going to be "perfect". Luckily, I have been blessed with a worry free CLK but some members have constant troubles. I think you are in desperate need of a second look from a diffrent pair of eyes before you drop $7000

Good luck

cindyclk

When something breaks, fix it. Don't just spend money because someone wants to make some dough. What exactly did they do for the $650 other than oil change and inspect?

MarcusF

I think you need a new dealer or a *good* Indy. A bad Indy can ultimately cost more than a dealer.

I do most of my own work, but when I do use the dealer, it’s nothing like what you’re describing.

First, a B service. I d my own A/B, but if I didn’t, my local dealer has specials. The A service is on sale right now for $159. http://www.mbzvalencia.com/view_service_specials.htm

When the B service goes on sale it’s BELOW $300. The off-sale B service is below $400. The regular price for a transmission fluid/filter change is also below $300. An OE fuel filter is $125. That’s just the part. A Bosch filter is $35. If you can’t change a filter yourself (simple job), have an Indy do it. Ditto for the rear seal. I had my rear seal done under CPO warranty. They had the car a half day and the parts involved were inexpensive.

What do they want for the control arms and suspension work?


Lastly, to find a GOOD Indy, ask a NYC MBCA member.

CLK FAN

I'm with Marcus F

Find a good indie shop and buy your own parts. That's what I do.

Jays_Z

Where in NYC do you live. There's a couple of guys in Brooklyn thats pretty decent. I got charged 150 for a tramnmission oil and filter change parts included.

ClkE20

"If it aint broke dont try to fix it". I have learned that the hard way. Just keep up with regular maintenance and dont drive her too hard unless your on the highway.
Dont feel bad. Everytime something goes wrong with my car I threaten to sell it lol. I still love her though.

Jessica90

I'm starting to feel the same way. I've had the car since 2005 and it hasn't been a problem. Just regular maintenance has been done.

I'm at 83k miles right now and I already know I will be approaching all those problems your having and I think right now, personally, would be a good idea to sell the car.